Kaylee Brooks of Austin has put together “The 5 Can Challenge” to challenge residents of the Austin Community to purchase and donate non-perishable items for
five weeks (November 10 through December 13). Kaylee noted it’s simple and easy to do. Every week when you go to the grocery
store, purchase one or more items; collect them each week and then drop items off at one of the donation boxes located at Northwest
Savings Bank in Austin, Austin Post Office or Austin Area School. Items can be dropped off weekly or at the end of the five weeks.
Soups, vegetables, gravy, beans, jelly, peanut butter, spaghetti, noodles, macaroni, sauces, pancake mix, syrup, cereal, sugar, tuna, canned
meats, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing, stuffing, rice, brownie mixes, fruit snacks, granola bars, bottled water, bottled juices, tea, and
coffee are some of the non-perishable foods that are being collected. At the end of the program, all items will be donated to the Austin
Food Pantry.
As a volunteer in her community and past volunteer at Cole Memorial Hospital, Kaylee knows the holidays can be a time of sadness for many.
Kaylee hopes to change this for some by collecting food items to help these families put food on their table especially during the holidays.
Kaylee says “many people take for granted the meals on their tables while many people go without. We take it for granted that our refrigerators
will hold an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, that if we run out, we can buy more. That isn’t always the case.” “It makes me feel good
to be able to put a smile on the faces of people who do not have the basic necessities of life, such as food and water.”
Kaylee is a Senior at the Austin Area School, a Junior Member of the Austin Volunteer Fire Company and a Certified Nursing Assistant at Cole
Memorial Hospital. She is the daughter of Bruce & Kathy Brooks. Her future plans are to attend Mercyhurst University-The North East Campus
for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program so she will be able to continue helping others. In her spare times, she enjoys four wheeling,
playing softball, volleyball, and basketball and spending time with her family and friends.
"Every day of your life is a page of your history." - Arabian Proverb
